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J. ADAMS. METHOD OF STARTING STREET AND RAILROAD CARS.

Patented Feb. 5, 1867.

Inventor.-

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IMPROVED METHOD OF STARTING STREET CARS.

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TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: 1

Be it known that I, JAMES ADAMS, of Newark, State of Delaware, have invented certain new and usefulimprovements in the Method of Starting Street and Railroad Cars; and I declare the following to be a full, true, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of these specifications, and the letters of reference marked thereon.

Figure 1 represents a side view of the car with one of the front wheels removed, and a part of the side broken away, so as to show more perfectly the working of the machinery.

Figure 2 represents a plan view of the same, with the top removed.

Letter A represents the frame or bed of the car, which is supported by the wheels B B B B. Letters 0 C represent two ratchet-wheels, which are firmly secured to the front axle-tree D, and are the means by which the cars are more easily started when heavily loaded. Letters E E represent two ratchets, which are pivoted to the upper part or end of the weight I. so as to allow them to work up or down, and are used for propelling the ratchet-wheels C 0 just as the cars are starting. Letter F represents a weight, which is perforated at the upper-l end by the axle D, sons to allow it a reciprocating motion, and is used for the purpose of catching and disengaging the ratchets E E from the ratchet-wheels C C. Attached to the weight F is the chain H and the rod I, which are fastened to the hook or loop J at the front part of the car. As soon as the force of the horses is felt upon the loop J, the weight F is raised as high as the roller K, throwing theratchets E E in gear, thus forcing the forward wheels to revolve and set the car in motion. As soon as the force is removed, the weight falls again by its own power, and gives the ratchets a new hold or catch upon the wheels. To the ratchets E E is attached the coiled spring L, which is again fastened to the rod I. Part of the force or power exerted by the horses upon the loop J is communicated to the spring L, which forces the ratchets securely against the wheels, thus preventing them from slipping off or flying upwards. Letter K represents a roller, which is supported by the props M if, over which the chain H passes on its way to the front of the car. The advantage of my method is, there is far more power exerted upon the ratchets by means of the weight, and is much more simple than any other now in use. 4

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim, and desire to secure by Letters tatcnt, is

The weight F, in combination with the chain H, the roller K, the rod I, the ratchets E E, and ratchetwheels C C, and the spring L, the whole arranged,-oonstrncted, and operating substantially as herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the forego ing as my own, I hereby aiiix my name in the presence of two witnesses.

' JAMES ADAMS.

Witnesses:

\ Jamiss H. RAY, JOHN Wnmons. 

